Family of woman killed in crash hopes tragedy warns others

The daughters of a woman killed in a car crash hope the tragedy will prevent future deaths by drunk driving.

• Highway deaths met with shock, sadness and anger in Trinity Bay

Jane Newhook, 83, of Norman's Cove-Long Cove was killed Friday when her car collided with another vehicle after travelling to Thornlea for supper with friends and family.

Newhook's daughters Ella Ann Penney, Lori Newhook, Kay Coish, Wanda Smith, Michelle Woodman and Melissa Newhook released a statement Tuesday saying their mother was loved and respected by her entire family and the community.

If even one person could be spared, she will not not have died in vain.- Statement from Jane Newhook's daughters

"Mom was a quiet lady who always put everyone else ahead of herself," they wrote.

"At 83 she was still healthy and active and lived independently in her own home. She loved to bake and sew, often dropping off baked goods to friends and neighbours."

The daughters also said they hope their mother's death will serve as a warning to others of the dangers of driving while impaired or distracted.

"Our hope is that because of this tragedy, someone who would carelessly drive while impaired, or text while driving, would stop and remember her and the senseless loss of someone what we all loved so dearly," they wrote.

"If even one person could be spared, she will not have died in vain."

Thornlea man facing several charges

George Malcolm Whalen, 67, of Thornlea is facing several charges connected to the fatal crash, including impaired driving causing death.

He is also charged with refusal of demand for sample of breath, driving while disqualified and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Whalen had beenscheduled to appear in Harbour Grace provincial court Tuesday afternoon.